STATEHOUSE (March 31, 2009) - Thousands of young Hoosiers will have a more productive summer, and many state recreational facilities will see improvements thanks to a new program. The Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps will employ 2,000 young people from low-income families to spruce up state-owned parks, trails and natural habitats. The program will be run by the state, but funding comes from federal stimulus money. "The timing of this announcement is perfect, with the summer quickly approaching and the current state of our economy," said Rep. Davis (R-Portland). "It is an ideal opportunity for Hoosiers to help out their communities while at the same time, put money in their pockets. "This is an appropriate use of stimulus money - quickly creating jobs that will create something of lasting value." The program will employ people ages 16-24, and they will be paid $8.50 an hour for work in 100 state parks and recreational areas for 16 weeks between May 1 and Sept. 30. According to federal requirements, the jobs go to Hoosiers whose family incomes are at or below the poverty level (about $23,000 for a family of four). The state's first hiring priorities will be veterans and people already receiving unemployment benefits. The state Department of Natural Resources expects to restore up to 2,600 acres of natural habitat areas, build up to 110 miles of new trails, rehabilitate more than 1,100 miles of existing trails and restore about 40 structures. Training will include basic construction, historic preservation and greenway development skills. The Department of Workforce Development and the DNR will oversee the program. Applications are being accepted online at www.youthworks.in.gov. Indiana will receive about $24 million through the Workforce Investment Act. If the program proves effective, it will be renewed next year. One of the many projects the program is proposing, which is specific to Jay County, is at the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve/Limberlost State Historic Site. The plan is to continue working on the restoration of historic wetland habitat. "Those individuals chosen to work on the designated projects will be able to, in the future, be proud of their work and have the gratitude of their community." Some other examples of projects for the Hoosier Youth Conservation Corps: - Potato Creek State Park, St. Joseph County: New trail construction and major trail rehabilitation. - J. Edgar Roush Lake, Huntington, Wells counties: Removal of shrubs and trees and restoration of wildlife openings to maintain wildlife diversity. - Deam Lake State Recreation Area, Clark County: Construction of a new six-mile horse trail loop. - Turkey Run State Park, Parke County: restoration of historic Leiber Memorial. - Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Noble County: repair and maintenance of historic Stratton-Porter home. - Mississinewa State Park, Miami and Wabash counties: Repair work on historic Frances Slocum shelter. - Pokagon State Park, Steuben County: Preparing Trine State Recreation Area for public opening. (Trine will be the newest state recreation area.) Rep. Davis encourages all his constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h33@in.gov; by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841; or write at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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